Anyone who comes to visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, will immediately notice the close coexistence of culture and nature. This union is visible all around, even in the middle of the historic city centre with its elaborate buildings, museums and churches: The view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Street towards the medieval Old Town is always crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain.

Innsbruck's glittering landmark – the Golden Roof – stands out in the centre of the alpine city. Built by emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century it shaped the image of Innsbruck ever since. He made the city the capital of an empire that stretched all over Europe and thanks to him Innsbruck is home to the sumptuous Hofburg Imperial Palace, his artfully designed tomb in the Hofkirche Court Church with 28 larger-than-life bronze figures, Hofgarten Imperial Gardens and much more.

Another imperial highlight of Innsbruck – the beautiful Renaissance Ambras Castle from the 16th century with extensive collections of art and curiosities, the so-called “chamber of wonders”, which give romantic and at the same time wundrous insights into medieval times.

The alpine character of Innsbruck becomes visible through the experience and the constant incoorperation of the mountains into the daily city life. The Nordkettenbahn Cable Cars have a station directly within the old town, close to the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and it only takes 20 minutes to whisk you up on 2000m altitude and even higher to great hiking and skiing areas. This interaction between city and mountain is unique and also shows itself e.g. at the Alpine Zoo. It is Europes highest altitude Zoo and nestles naturally up against the mountain and is home to more than 2000 animals – bear, eagle and lynx inclusive. South of Innsbruck the Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump Tower offers the possibility to feel like an olympic ski jumper yourself. At the roof-top restaurant and bar the stunning views across the city awaiten you.

Innsbruck's urban character is among other things reflected by the numerous summer festivals. The Promenade Concerts feature classical music from all over Europe, every evening from beginning of July to beginning of August, totally for free! The location is the sumptuous courtyard of the Hofburg Imperial Palace in the old town. The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music revives the courtly musical life at the impressive Ambras Castle. Don't miss out the New Orleans Jazz Festival in July for some fancy urban music.

One of the main attractions close to Innsbruck are the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which belong to the most visited sights of Austria. Crystalline fairy tales and a multi-faceted universe are featured there. Since May 2015 a new era of wonders started: the new Crystal Cloud with 800.000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals are drifting star-like above a black mirror pool, the innovative play-tower and outdoor play area, opens up new perspectives to the Crystal Worlds' youngest visitors, and a complete refurbished restaurant offering culinary delights. Don't forget to also stop by at the fascinating Swarovski Shop in Innsbruck's historic old town.

Innsbruck is also known as a young and vibrant city. The population is 130.000 plus 30.000 students. This in return means that every sixth person you meet in the streets is actually a student. Such a young city is a lively city, with lots of picturesque street cafés, great outdoor sporting facilities, big shopping malls and handcrafted small souvenir shops, that cater to all tastes.

The best way to experience all this is with the Innsbruck Card. It gives access to all 18 sights, all public transport, a return-trip on all 7 cable cars, sightseer bus, bike rental, guided city tours and more. Prices start at € 39.- and three versions are available (24/48/72h).

Information: Innsbruck Tourismus, tel. +43-512-59850, office@innsbruck.info, www.innsbruck.info